“It was good.”
“Good like you actually talked to Dr. Lisbon? Or good like you sat there and stared at her the whole time?” My sister knows me all too well.
I chuckle. “I spoke to her. But I’m not telling you a damn thing. That shit is private.”
“Ugh, fine,” Lia whines.
The line goes silent. I pull the phone away to make sure the call didn’t disconnect. “Lia? You still there?”
“I’m here.” Talia sniffs.
“What’s wrong? Is Miller treating you right, or do I have to drive up to Malibu and kick his ass?” My heart races as a million thoughts run through my head.
“No, nothing like that. I’m fine. Cam’s treating me just right.”
I ignore the inappropriate comment Cam makes in the background, and gag into the phone. Talia giggles, and I picture her watery smile and shimmery gray eyes, which are identical to mine.
“What is it then?” I ask.
“I’m just really proud of you, Nic.” She sniffles.
I rub the growing ache in my chest that’s making it hard for me to breathe. The elevator dings, and the doors open.
“I’d do anything for you. You know that.”
“And I’d do anything for you, big brother.” Her words have the vise around my chest falling away.
“Does that mean you’ll dump that chump and move into the empty apartment next door? I’m sure I could work out a rent-free deal with the owner.”
“Anything but that.” My sister laughs.
“Didn’t think so.”
I step into the hallway to find boxes lined up against the wall. Mr. Fischer’s new wife must have finally convinced him to move. If I was him I’d move too. Mrs. Fischer is hot and has boobs the size of watermelons. She’s way too good for the old man.
“Alright, I’m home. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Don’t forget tomorrow is Cam’s bachelor party. You better be there.”
I make a noncommittal sound in the back of my throat. I really don’t want to go, but the entire team is attending, and it would look bad if I bailed. At least I’ll have fun giving my future brother-in-law shit.
“I’ll be there, Lia.”
“You’re the best big brother on the planet.”
I push open the door to my apartment and drop my gym bag onto the floor. “Kiss-ass.”
“I love you,” she sings.
“Love you too.”
I disconnect the call and plop onto the couch. Today was heavy, but somehow I feel lighter. Maybe this therapy thing wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
five
Savannah
Sweetangelicgigglesfloatinto the hallway as I make my way down the hall for rounds towards my next patient’s room.
